7th Grade Life Science Educator: St. Agnes Academy-St. Dominic School

Position Title: 7th-Grade Life Science Educator
Department: SAA-SDS Junior High (7th and 8th grade)
Contract Period: Full-Time, 10 Months
Reports to: Assistant Dean of Junior High

Position Summary: The St. Agnes Academy-St. Dominic School community is a special place to work for caring and invested educators. In accordance with our school’s mission and tradition, teachers at St. Agnes-St. Dominic must demonstrate a passion for cultivating a rich intellectual life in students while deepening their relationship with God. The Life Science educator should have a passion for working with Junior High students and an enthusiasm for teaching scientific concepts and methods. This particular course involves a practical study of the features and functions of living things, covering topics ranging from Biology to Genetics. It is designed to prepare students for high school-level Biology. The Life Science course is inquiry-centered, emphasizing laboratory procedures and experiential learning.

The instructor of this course is expected to develop daily instructional plans that demonstrate knowledge of best practice in differentiated instruction and implement pedagogical approaches that encourage curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking. The position typically involves teaching four academic sections on a rotating daily schedule, along with a homeroom assignment and other supervisory duties. 

As part of the collegial culture of our faculty, a willingness to invest in collaborative efforts, professional growth, and the broader life of the school is expected in work at St. Agnes-St. Dominic. Contribution to the broader school community, through such means as academic advising, supervisory duties, and coaching or sponsoring of extracurricular programs, is a defining feature of educators across our professional community. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities of Educators at SAA-SDS: 

• Recognize and support the unique Catholic, Dominican Mission of St. Agnes-St. Dominic by living out the Four Pillars of Prayer, Study, Community, and Service 
• Model competence in teaching by demonstrating thorough knowledge of the curriculum and subject matter and communicating effectively with students 
• Plan and teach highly engaging, academically rigorous lessons that are real, relatable, and relevant 
• Establish and uphold classroom expectations that support students to develop increased agency, responsible autonomy, and ownership over learning 
• Engage in professional learning, including co-planning, department meetings, grade-level meetings, and other learning work 
• Build strong, lasting relationships with students, inspiring them to hold themselves to a high academic and personal standard
• Contribute to the school community by attending school events, leading a club, coaching an academic team, or other initiative(s) 
• Analyze assessment data and use it to inform instruction 
• Maintain close relationships with families, including phone calls and conferences that highlight the positives more often than the areas for improvement 
• Respond to inquiries from a variety of sources (e.g., other teachers, parents, administrators, students, etc.) to resolve issues, providing information and direction 
• Counsel students to improve academic performance, encourage appropriate behavior, enhance problem-solving techniques, and support when struggling with personal matters 
• Make effective use of technology to augment, differentiate, and enhance classroom learning 
• Monitor students in a variety of educational environments to provide a safe and positive learning environment 
• Cooperate with school administration; effectively work with all staff members to promote positive relationships with students and parents 
• Perform other related duties, as assigned, to ensure the efficient and effective operations of St. Agnes Academy-St. Dominic School 

An ideal candidate for this position would possess the following qualifications: 

• Bachelor's Degree in an appropriate field of study from a four-year college or university, or post-graduate work in subject matter; an advanced degree is valued. 
• Three years of teaching experience in an independent school setting. Consideration may be afforded to any qualified individual who has either worked in other educational settings or is new to the teaching profession, and who has a strong sense of vocation to work with students in an independent, college-preparatory environment. 
• Excited about the opportunity to work collaboratively in an inclusive, values-based, Catholic, independent school community. 

To submit an application and upload a resume and cover letter, please click https://www.saa-sds.org/application

St. Agnes Academy – St. Dominic School is a Catholic, independent PK2-12 school in Memphis inspired by the Dominican Pillars of Study, Prayer, Community, and Service. We prioritize relationships while preparing our students for their future. Our innovative and caring faculty is committed to growing well-balanced students - mind, body, and spirit – in a supportive, faith-filled environment.

St. Agnes Academy – St. Dominic School is an Equal Opportunity Employer dedicated to promoting diversity in the workplace and strongly urges all qualified individuals to apply. Competitive compensation is available.